Despite low attendance, the ISU Rodeo Club’s first spring rodeo was a success.

About 20 spectators watched six barrel racers and two children take part in mutton busting, or sheep riding.

Clumps of mud flew through the air as riders rode a clover-leaf pattern around three barrels. Organizers were originally worried the race would not be held because of Saturday’s rain showers, but pressed on anyway.

Of the six barrel racers, two were ISU students. Other riders were from the central Iowa region. The barrel racing event had a jackpot prize of $60.

Amanda Reverts, ISU Rodeo Club publicity chairwoman, took top honors in the barrel racing, with a time of 17.869 seconds.

Amanda Eason, ISU Rodeo Club secretary, said the event was an experiment for the ISU Rodeo Club. She said next year they hope to make it a larger event.

“We realize we didn’t have the turnout,” said Alana McNutt, ISU Rodeo Club member. “Our main goal is to have fun.”

She said the idea for the event did not come up until last fall, which kept the club from having money in the budget. Admission to the rodeo was free, and most of the money from the contestants was returned to the winner.

Barrel racing competitors said they enjoyed their experience. Amanda Marson, barrel racing contestant, said she does similar contests every weekend. She said she wished there would have been more people participating and attending, but she had fun.

McNutt said the barrel racing season does not start until later this spring, but this was the only weekend that worked for students to put on the rodeo.

The flag race or ride-a-buck are just a few of the many events they would like to have in the rodeo next spring. In a flag race, riders go back and forth from opposite ends of the ring and retrieve flags. In ride-a-buck, a rider puts a dollar under his or her leg, and tries to see how long he or she can hold onto it.

“We really want to get the community involved,” said Abbey Avery, ISU Rodeo Club member.

This rodeo event follows the ISU Rodeo Club’s annual fall rodeo, which draws more than 300 people on its biggest night.

“You got to start somewhere; you got to start from the ground,” Eason said.